Thank you for the information I really want to move to korea but its just to far from where I am. I live in Mexico and I just want to go to a new place and really vibe it if anyboy recommends this please reply ASAP !

#Pheonix on May 16, 2018
:

Thank you for leaving this information I really needed to finish a project for my civics class which is due next week on friday but I always love to get ahead of class so i can just chill. Not doing anything in class is boring though. Is anyone else a K-Pop fan if so reply.

From Pheonix

#akram on May 05, 2018
:

Hello
Actually im living in morocco , and im thinking to move to korea , but i'm still in need of more information about life there , if someome can mail me to give me more infos ill be thankful
ps: if someone needs infos about living in morocco i'm here this is my mail "akram.slayko@gmail.com

#Anonymous on Apr 24, 2018
:

What are some cheaper and smaller places (city, town, etc.) in South Korea?

#Tom on Apr 19, 2018
:

I'm looking to move to Korea as an English teacher. I'm canadian and I'd prefer to work at a language school over teaching kids. What kind of wage should I be expecting and where in Seoul should I try to live/find work.

#dmdm on Mar 29, 2018
:

this is funny site, I guess.
First, I saw Paris page, it is so gloomy.

You can ask anything about seoul.. maybe I can answer it.

#Jessica Hinz on Mar 20, 2018
:

The wage is fake, people actually get 30% lower than this number.
Cost of living too high, not a place to live.

#Mario on Feb 11, 2018
:

I am living in Seoul since 2010 and the prices of grocery are only accurate in traditional markets not easily available for many people. Prices in local supermarkets chains are 15%-25% more expensive, so at the end of the month, buying basic food really drains your salary.
If anyone is planning to get a job here you should get paid at least KRW 30,000,000 a year as an entry level position to have a minimum life standard (housing costs not included).
Overtime work is (literally) endless in some jobs, so take that into account, because it could ruin your health and life condition.

#Anon on Jan 30, 2018
:

The cost of groceries is higher and the salaries is lower than above. In seoul it's not human's life

Many people ask 'how much money is enough to live on avg in seoul'. For that, I think you need to know 'how much is minimal fee'.
I defined 'minimal' includes 2~3 meals/day, basic cellphone fee, transport fee. In that case, it only costs around 450 usd.
(Cellphone 30 usd, transport 1.25 usd * 20 = 25 usd
6 usd * 2.3 meals/day * 30 = 400 usd)

We also need to consider rental fee. If you live alone, you can get a small room(including small kitchen & toilet - usually 13~19m^2) with 400~600 usd per month. Of course, there is a deposit fee, usually starts from 5000 usd. One of past comment is explained well.

If you need further information about living in Seoul or near, you can mail me. But I only can give you a infos from native Korean's view.

#Kang on Jan 13, 2018
:

As Korean, Seoul is too much city in Korea.
If you want some life information of Korea city, send email to me.

#Anonymous on Dec 06, 2017
:

South Korea, especially Seoul is getting expensive. Based on the "The Economist 2017" measure of cost living in cities around the world; Seoul is ranked the 6th most expensive city in the world. Seoul, in terms of cost of living is more expensive than cites like New York, London, Paris and Copenhagen. I've been to Seoul many times, and some of my family live in Seoul, Incheon, and in other provinces in around the country and the cost of living is rising everyday, due to rapid development, improvement of living standards. Also due to the strengthening of the Korean currency, which just recently surpassed the Japanese yen.

If you're coming from countries like the US, UK, Europe, cost of living should be similar.

Korea is beauty place to have a good life if you have money and education. if not, then it can be very harsh to live there.

The prices here on numbeo are quite accurate but make sure before come to Seoul, to have a enough (or little bit more money) for what you want to do.

#Juaneta Abigail on Sep 28, 2017
:

Holla!! I am thinking of moving to South Korea in the end of 2018 or 2019, and yet I got no idea how living in Korea would be.. can someone help me??

#MegatonBomb on Sep 23, 2017
:

Hello, I am currently 16 and plan on moving to South Korea in 2019 or early 2020 when I am 18. I was just wondering how easy is it to find a roommate?

#Megustastu on Sep 19, 2017
:

Hello I am Korean living in Korea(near Seoul). And I found those costs are quite accurate.
But, two things are very various depend on the situation.

1. Monthly Salary : In small, medium companies, office workers' annual salary starts around USD20,000(Highschool degree). But in big companies like Samsung, LG, etc. the salary would start around USD35,000 or more(Bac degree). This is based on new employees.

2. Rent : This is very uneven. Usually we rent flat/studio/apartment with deposit and rent.
Deposit is the money you give the landlord in case of breaking facilities in the house or delayed rent. They will deduct the amount when you move out. This starts from USD4,500 ~ 265,000. Of course there are contracts without deposit but I guess this is hard to find and may apply high rent. Also you can adjust the rent with more or less deposit. With more deposit, less rent you pay.
Here you can check the lists of rents. These are the most famous house rental website. But they only offer Korean language.
https://www.zigbang.com/
https://www.dabangapp.com/

Below are supermarket chains websites. You can order stuff from those websites and they deliver it to your home whenever the time you pick. You can see how much actual stuff cost in Korea.
http://www.homeplus.co.kr/
http://emart.ssg.com/
http://www.lottemart.com/

And Korean people living in big cities kinda speak English. Not much hard to find someone speak English. Most of young people understand what you are saying but they just don't know how to explain. lol

#Anonymous on Sep 08, 2017
:

I am planning to go to south Korea I'm an engineer. I want to know do Koreans speak English there or I will have to learn Korean.

#Shirley on Sep 03, 2017
:

Hi, I am relocating to Seoul for work with my family in Nov. For a family of four, how much monthly expenses are needed for a family of 4 excluding the rental.
How much is the average earnings of a manager in Seoul?
Fast reply please... thanks.
Can also email to : shirleygan77@yahoo.com

#Muhammad Zs on Aug 17, 2017
:

hi i am moving to chung-ang university for masters program. i need info is 1000 dollar is enough for first month and second my monthly salary is 700000 KRW is it enough? My housing deposit is zero, i only have to pay the rent.

#Kiki on Aug 12, 2017
:

War is coming .. my all friends from south trying to move to another coutry . Dont go there .. wont be safe soon

#celia on Jul 05, 2017
:

My friends and i are 15 currently and we are planning to move to korea for 2 years after school (age:19) to study, then after we will permanently live there and we are going to live together (2020)

We need a general/average price p/year for housing and study + basic item expenses so we can start saving

if you currently live in korea and can tell me the basic price of housing, ect. p/year for 4 people that would be a great help!!

Email: mathchick48@gmail.com

thankyou!!

#Christina on Jun 11, 2017
:

Where on earth are they getting the price for clothing? A summer dress at the large H&M in central Seoul will be 20~25,000won (I just bought one yesterday, it was 23,000). And 80,000 for a pair of jeans?? Where are you shopping?? Jeans, even at good stores, are less than 40,000, and usually 15,000-20,000 at the places most people shop.

#Wony on Jun 02, 2017
:

Buying something to eat at mart is moreexpensive than going out for meals in Korea. Actually, if you have a proper degree in 20's, salary is rather higher than €2200.

#Mahesh on May 23, 2017
:

I have been offered a postdoc position at Konkuk university. The annual contract offered is 30,000,000 Korean Won/year (2,500,000 Won/month). I will join Konkuk in September 2017. Will it suffice the living cost of university campus?? What will be the average monthly cost?? I think, the accommodation will be on campus.

#Gain on May 11, 2017
:

Is $2200 net salary accurate for Seoul? I thought it was supposed to be higher?

#MEKONEN on Apr 11, 2017
:

hi i live in adiss abeba (ethiopia)i visit koera next month im car wash man is it afford the cost in my proff?

#Arence on Mar 19, 2017
:

I will be visiting S. Korea by April 23 -29 2017, the input of info here is really nice, now I have an idea into how much I would be needing to spend for a week of fun in this country. Seoul and Busan would be the place I want to explore. I will be posting my journey at the end of my trip.

#Evelyn Eomma on Mar 05, 2017
:

I know this is going to sound crazy but, my friends and I are going to move to South Korea in 6 years (when we are all 18) and we aren't old enough to get jobs yet, my parents aren't supportive of it so I won't get any help from them. And we need to know how much money we will need to save (or how much each of us will need to save) for living in Seoul (not in the middle of the city but towards the outskirts). We know that for 1 ticket to get there it will be about $750 but we don't know how much we would need to save or how we would even get money for this but we are willing to do it. If anyone has any advice please help

#chuck on Feb 23, 2017
:

Food is very cheap. I would say if you're eating average price foods. You would be spending about $20 - $40 a day.

#chuck on Feb 23, 2017
:

You will find Koreans that speak English well here and there. But not often. English is their secondary language meaning that they are taught in most schools now. Their English is very minimal, but it will still help you out

#Zhou on Feb 10, 2017
:

I will go to Seul soon and one thing I definitely believed is that Korean do not speak English even in Seul.

#arpeja on Feb 08, 2017
:

I'm sorry for asking questions without providing any value here but, do people speak english in this city? I mean if I interact with people during the day or at nightlife, are people generally open to communicate in english?

#Anon on Jan 14, 2017
:

Does anyone know roughly how much money is spent on food per day on average?

Housing will be covered by work so trying to work out if living here is possible based on food expenses.

Thanks for any answers in advance!

#asif on Dec 04, 2016
:

I want to visit the beautiful country of South Korea. Please send me more informations.

#Crystal on Nov 09, 2016
:

I need to know if the prices are the same, after finding out that the president is who it is.
It is vital for me to research where to go to because need to visit South Korea very soon.
I'd also like many pen pals.
Thanks

#Ely Shelly on Nov 07, 2016
:

Dear friends
If someone has a house in Seoul and monthly stipend of 1.5 million won, can two people manage an average life ??? Without rental prices how much does it cost for each person to live in Seoul?//

Salary is very low here, I graduated from University last month and I just found a job in Seoul.
They only give me 1300 USD/ month, and it's about the whole rental prices.

#Anna Thompson on Aug 29, 2016
:

I've been working in both Taiwan and South Korean, I think they have the same salary for foreigners but Taiwan has cheaper cost of living and more friendly well manners people than S.Korea.
I would say it's hard to live in South Korea.

#hhw on Aug 18, 2016
:

Average salary for a newly graduate with bachelor's degree is about 2,500 US dollar per month.
A part time job working at the grocery store pays about $1,000 per month.

#Anonymous on Aug 18, 2016
:

Salary is not as low as you think. I'm in my early 30s and get paid 3,750,000 KRW/mo and that's after paying 30% to a headhunter. Other coworkers in their 20s-30s get paid 3,300-6,000,000 KRW/mo. The only people who get an income below 2,500,000 KRW don't have a college degree and that's the same in the US too.

#John C. on Aug 18, 2016
:

#Nicolas
Salary here is not like that, probably just half.
Just about 1300 USD/ month

#Richard Son on Aug 12, 2016
:

#Nicolas Rent a studio or a room isn't that expensive in Korea, but all the other things are not.
Those prices shown above are the lowest or most cheap prices you can get with.
+20~30% or higher for CBD area.

Salary will be your major problem that you will faced.
Half the price, that's what can get.
Not a joke.

#Nicolas on Aug 04, 2016
:

Guys i am from sweden , and i got accepted at a korean university , and i would like to know how much money on average a uni student spends a month on having fun, food etc. I know it sayis above the average expense but some data may not be correct. Cheers.

#Luke Smith on Aug 03, 2016
:

The salary is bullshit, most of people can't get that income in Seoul.
Some young people just get half.
And the office culture in S.Korea is goddam sick.

#Anonymous on Jul 15, 2016
:

I'm from Nigeria and I love Korea so much and even I have been learning there language, I want to come to Korea soon, please can someone tell me how much is to live with in a month, I want that answer quickly pls

#Anonymous on Jul 09, 2016
:

Do not believe the prices listed above. The majority are significantly understated. These prices may have been true 10 years ago, but certainly not now.

As someone who has lived in Seoul for 13 years, I can say with confidence that the situation looks more like as I have described below:

Average monthly disposable salary is also, on average, around 2,000,000won/month (after tax deductions).
This does not take into consideration deductions for pension plans and the national health insurance plan. When you factor those deductions, the average South Korean is probably looking at 1,700,00won/month in disposable income.--far less than the 2,670,000won stated above (which would be above the monthly per capita GDP for 2015!).

South Korea is a tough place to cut it if you are earning less than 4,000,000won/month. There is a reason (beyond culture) why adult children continue to live with their parents. To be "comfortable" as a single person (not a family or couple), you really need to be making at least 6,000,000won/month. If you are looking to come here and have been offered a job/position that will pay you less than 4,000,000won/month (especially so if your housing isn't subsidized by your employer), you really need to rethink your options. If you are earning 6,000,000won/month or more, you will be fine.

#Jessa Mae de Los santos on Jun 19, 2016
:

I really wants to go in Korea for work and to continue my study also therefore I've been looking for a affordable accommodation and university also..

#Mindy on Jun 07, 2016
:

Hey! I've been wanting to visit South Korea for some time now. I've checked over and over again on flights and hotels just to see how much it would be for a first class and a good hotel. It was basically under $4,400. I would like to visit it for about 20 days(less than a month). Thinking of living there but I would like to check it out first. The main question here is how much money do I need to live off if I'm staying for about a month? Would it be about $500-$2000?

#Jam on May 01, 2016
:

Hi, I've been wanting to go to South Korea for work. will it be hard adjusting to their climate? And learning their language? I'm a single mom of 1 will that be a cause of not landing a job there? And if ever not, when can I bring my son with me?

#Gigi on Apr 04, 2016
:

Hi. So, Im from the Philippines and Ill be in grade 11 for the next school year. I was kind of dreaming in going to korea after I graduate rom college which is 6 years from now. What could be the estimated cost of total living for a month?

#Anonymous on Mar 13, 2016
:

I live in the Philippines and I'm also a student here. I'm planning on living in Seoul. I'm a grade 10 student and I'm moving up (sort of like a graduation) to grade 11 in a few days and I wanted to study in Korea. Where do you suggest i live and have a cheap rental fee but is spacious and good for two people?

#JiYeon Song on Mar 08, 2016
:

Hi,I'm interested in Konkuk University or any university in Seoul, besides from the life expenses, can I know how much is the cost of a sem to study in the university or college? I plan to work there for 3 months only start to study, I also hope to learn Korean. Hope there's respond for my comment! :)

#Sophie on Mar 05, 2016
:

I will be going to university for bachelors soon but I want to learn music in the time being but there aren't many music academies in my country so I was wondering if I could go to South Korea to learn music for about half a year or less would that be possible and if so how much would it cost me

#Anonymous on Feb 13, 2016
:

Hi i will like to know if an architect earns enough to live in a decent place.

#So Ra on Feb 13, 2016
:

@jia
Yes, it should be enough :) But don't expect to live too luxuriously. But it should be enough to get by and by yourself stuff from time to time.

#M.sab on Dec 21, 2015
:

hi #llyy
i think i am getting the same offer as u get , But i am not sure [ or waiting any feedback ] to know more about all those fees as electrical ,gas, water,internet bills ...
i think the transportation will be low as i will stay on the university BUT the website mentioned something about Residing Period will be 6 months .
so i am still confused ...
hope to hear form u if u know any details

Br

#jia on Dec 21, 2015
:

hi,

i am intending to visit university in Seoul for 6 months research visit for my phd research work. my stipend is $800 per month. i don't drink or smoke. would 800 will be enough for me per month including all utilities , living, house rent etc?

#llyy on Nov 19, 2015
:

I will only have the money coming from my scholarship ($500) so If I assume that I will share an apartment with friends so that I don't have to pay any deposit and I only will spend half of my money for the rent the question is that can I live a normal life with the remaining $250.

Well that's the tricky part. If I assume that I will workout and eat accordingly:
$70 gym membership, $60 chicken, $55 transportation, $45 for rice, $20 water. SUM = $250
looks like unsustainable. So lets forget working out and stuff:
$55 trans., $20 water, $40 rice, $10 phone, $25 candy n stuff, $100 going out 4 times a month. SUM = $250 seems legit. Maybe that $100 can be spent for grocery instead of enjoying a few weekend. I hope there are places which hires foreign students as part-timers :/

#Fady Naroz on Nov 08, 2015
:

Hello iam from egypt and i want to live in korea so what is cost "dollars" in the month thanks

#Man on Sep 09, 2015
:

Hi,
Ijust want to know how much is the cost of renting shop lot in everage monthly prices?.
Cause i intend to open a business there

Thanks

#Dav Leith on Aug 05, 2015
:

#Carolyn

500 USD in Seoul a week ?
That's too much ! Probably 300 USD is enough.
There are many cheap restaurant in Seoul, but just keep away some dog meat restaurants.

#Carolyn on Jul 27, 2015
:

I'm planning a 1 week visit to my friend's house in Seoul. I won't have to pay rent or utilities, but will be doing quite a bit of touristic stuff like sightseeing. Will $500 USD be enough for the week? Thanks

#Anonymous on Jul 24, 2015
:

Can someone help me?
So I want to go Seoul and live there.How much money do I need to have before going to Korea.

#Leo Pablo on Jul 01, 2015
:

#Niki, it's not that expensive in Seoul.
Especially food is cheap here, but street food are not very clean tho.
Housing is a little bit expensive like Taipei and Tokyo.
Good luck !

##Niki on Jun 26, 2015
:

Hello
Am my name is Niki.
I am 17 years old and I am looking forward to study in Seoul university. I want to know how much does a student life cost in Korea because I want a 1bhk apartment near Seoul university I just wanted to know how much does living in Seoul cost other than the university expanses. :) please reply me like really fast.

#Michelle HJ on Jun 17, 2015
:

#Jason H. Luce, If you are eating chicken/pork/beef or whatever the meat is, that is disgusting as well. I haven't had dogs meat, but your thoughts are very dangerous that eating dogs are savage, barbarous. Koreans don't kill and eat their pets or neighbour's.

#Frank Millerson on Jun 15, 2015
:

Korean drivers are rude and crazy.
Don't even know how they got license, pretty dangerous place for foreigners.

#Jason H. Luce on Jun 13, 2015
:

Seoul is very dirty, some people still eat dogs.
That's disgusting

#Awais on Jun 05, 2015
:

Hi,
I have been offered scholarship in Masters. Monthly stipend is 550$. I neither drink nor smoke. I may live in room of 3 students. Will this scholarship be enough?

#Duck on Apr 17, 2015
:

Hi Nikhil, I'm a Korean. Sorry to say but I think it (940USD) will not be sufficient or just marginal to live in Seoul depending on the housing. As Iason commented below last year, rent for one bed room in Seoul is: deposit 5,000~20,000USD + 400~600USD/monthly. So if you spend about 500USD for a rent, then 440USD/month remains, which means you can use only about 15USD per a day. I think 15USD/day is pretty marginal to live a day, because a cheap meal served in a university usually costs about 3-4USD and you certainly will need to use transportation or buy something. Drink, smoke or type of food is not a problem. The problem is that I didn't count deposit. Normally a land lord in Korea asks deposit in addition to the monthly rent. That's why I said your monthly scholarship may not be sufficient. However, there is a way. If you can live in a university dormitory, much amount of your money will be saved. So I strongly suggest you to book the dormitory before you leave your country. Cheers!

#Nikhil on Apr 06, 2015
:

Hi All,
I have been offered a PhD position in Seoul, Uni of Konkuk. The monthly scholarship is about 940 USD. Will this amount be sufficient. I drink, smoke and I am a vegan.

#Donna on Feb 06, 2015
:

In Philippines the apartment cheap is 2000 pesos only. In won 48,000.

#Wee on Jan 08, 2015
:

Hello,

Just to help out a few people hear asking if 400£ or 400$ is enough for monthly expenses in Seoul. My answer to that question is most definitely NO.

Compared to New York and London

Cheaper:

Cigarettes
Transport
Domestic beers

More expensive:

Utilities

Rent (the actually 'rent' is cheaper but the deposit will set you back anything between $30,000-$100,000. That's to rent. Not to buy. They have a pretty funny rent/deposit system. If you take a loan out to pay this deposit, then you need to take into account the interest on the loan; so it's the quoted rent + interest on the loan for the deposit. Or you find a place without the insane deposit but the rents for those places are much more than the quoted prices here.)

Realistically speaking, if you would like to maintain the life style that you have in New York or London, you're looking at about 80-90% of those places. If you're a student, $1000 should be about enough.

#Stanis H on Dec 30, 2014
:

I will be studying a Masters Program in Seoul in 2015-2016. Is us$ 500 reasonable for monthly living expenses?

#anna on Dec 01, 2014
:

the usual scholarship living expense money is only about 8.000.000 (usually dorm alr included, breakfast and lunch too)

in my country, Indonesia, you can buy a pack of marlboro at 15000 rupiah or about 1500 won,
1 litre of gasoline at 8500 rupiah or about 850 won, corona beer at 24000 rupiah or about 2400 won, a bowl of rice+fried chicken+a glass of ice tea you just pay about 12000 rupiah or 1200 won.
a good quality leather shoes (local made) you can pay just 300000 rupiah or about 30000 won.
one kilogram of good quality rice at 12000 rupiah or 1200 won
a plate of "nasi padang" + ice water 14000 rupiah or 1400 won
200grams of good quality powder milk for baby at 35000 rupiah or 3500 won
bus ticket for 20km just 7000 rupiah or 700 won
eggs (12pcs) = 15000 rupiah or 1500 won
rent a car for 24 hours 250000 rupiah or 25000 won

but almost electronic devices and transportation vehicles in my country are labeled with other countries brand, like samsung acer toshiba blackberry nokia honda hyundai yamaha etc , non of its are with local label though almost its parts are made here :)

our streets full of cars and motorcycles with japan and korea brands
you cant find a car or a motorcycle with indonesian own brand hehe

by the way, this is very usefull page for people around the world to compare the live cost in several country

keep posting bro ...

#Iason on Oct 26, 2014
:

Rent for one bed room : deposit 5,000~20,000USD + 400~600USD/monthly
if you wanna resident in Kangnam, one bed room : 100,000USD of deposit only or deposit 2,000~4,000USD + 1000~1300USD/monthly

If you are native english speaker, you can have a opportunity in english tutor (even you need a certification) and it could you earn enough money to stay in korea.

#lan on Aug 07, 2014
:

Thanks so much for helping us to calculate the prices for every city we want to move in ..What a useful website :)

#Titiksha on Jul 20, 2014
:

I am from India and i want to study law in Seoul...so cud u pls help me telling dats wat will be the basic expenses in one month